Has anyone got a way of tracking how much is left in a Ventolin inhaler?

I use my Ventolin as a regular inhaler with a dose of 6 puffs from 2 to 4 times daily. I have tried counting usage and weighing the aerosol unit but it still catches me out. I only know when it stops helping me to breathe!

[O2Trees]

That's a huge amount to take in one day darthveda - obviously i don't know your needs but usually a GP will explore prescribing a PREVENTATIVE inhaler so you need far less Ventolin. Ventolin is a RESCUE inhaler and not generally intended for regular use (except sometimes during an exacerbation).

In answer to your question, i can't tell either but often seem to have an intuition and change to a new one - not an efficient way to go but i don't use mine much. If i were you id probably multiply the average number of times you use it in a day, then divide that figure into the number of metered doses stated on the inhaler (usually 200) to get the number of days it will cover.

[Colours23 in reply to O2Trees]

I will use my preventative at all times roughly 10times a day if busy or walking, so maybe in future ,I will have to check out if my symbicort is strong enough,but don't forget not all of us have any support ,it took 2yrs just to get mucodyne and inhaler from hospital,as docs don't do change,although talking of change ,I am changing the docs practice to another as they have nurse for people that have chronic disease,so I will have some help at last.and not have to go down as far as I go ..so hospital.thats when they sort me out with medicine I need.

[O2Trees in reply to Colours23]

Of course everyone is different in how their condition affects them Colours - and health provision around the country varies too, Im particularly lucky with that and can sometimes forget others aren't so fortunate.

Hope your new practice comes up with what you need. You could check out the NICE guidelines, also call the BLF helpline (click on red balloon at top right) if you want to discuss what medication might be best for you.

[Hidden]

Thanks O2trees. I agree that it is a huge amount of salbutomol, but that is my prescribed dose at present. My needs are complex as I started with asthma 7 years ago and now have COPD and emphysema as well as having just been diagnosed with tracheobronchomalacia. I use 3 other inhalers and take theophyllin, montelukast and prednisolone daily. Yes! if I could jump up and down I would probably rattle! Thanks for your suggestion I will try that.

[huggs]

02trees is correct. You are overdosing on your reliever inhaler. They are only meant to be used if you feel an attack coming on, having an attack or know you will need its help in getting you up a steep hill for example. You should have a preventative inhaler (usually brown in colour) which you take every day to try and prevent attacks, and having to use your ventolin. I think you should go back to your doctor and tell him how much ventolin you are taking, and I am sure he will clear up the situation for you. Please do not let the present situation continue as it is. You will no doubt be experiencing side effects from such a high intake such as tremors and shaking for example.

When you go to your doctor, ask him or her about an accuhaler. This inhaler contains the same medication as in the one you are presently using. The difference is that instead of a liquid, it is a powder. They are round in shape, easy to use and most importantly for what you want, is that each accuhaler has 60 measured doses, and, there is a counter which starts at 60. Every time you take a dose the number will go down. When it gets down to only 5 doses left the numbers are in red to warn you that you need a new one soon. The down side to the powdered version is that you have to rinse your mouth out each time you use it as there is usually a small amount of residue left on the roof of your mouth which causes thrush. I have been using my accuhalers for years with no problems at all. They are small enough to get in a pocket or bag.

When you see your doctor or respiratory nurse ask them about accuhalers or any other options they can suggest, and mention a preventative inhaler as well. Or accuhaler. It sounds like you need a bit of a chat with a medical person who can answer your questions and clarify the situation for you. They have all your notes and test results etc , so will be best able to guide you. I would be lost without the counter on my accuhalers, and it does make things easier. Good luck, and take care. hugs xx

[Hidden]

Thanks for your response huggs. The dose I am taking is prescribed by my cunsultant at the chest clinic. I have asthma, COPD and emphysema as well as my recent diagnosis of tracheobronchomalacia. I have 3 preventative inhalers - Seretide, Flixotide and Spiriva as well as theophyllin, montelukast and prednisolone tablets. These are all reviewed 6 monthly by my asthma nurse and I am waiting to see a specialist consultant in September. I dont enjoy this much medication but, at present it is keeping me well!

[Maximonkey in reply to Hidden]

Hi darthveda, I too have taken the same inhalers and meds inn the past, however, your needs are obviously changing or you are in the grip of another infection. Ring the doc and also speak to your asthmas nurse, you should have her number but if not contact the hospital and ask for the asthma nurse who deals with your Consultant's patients. Do not delay you are taking Ventolin when you obviously need another med. Care care and keep us informed. I know it is Bank Holiday but you can always phone the out of hours at you hospital if you need help today. I hope you feel better soon. Maximonks.

[Hidden in reply to Maximonkey]

Hi Maximonkey, thank you for your concern. I know that I am taking a lot of Ventolin at present but it is because I have 4 lung conditions to battle - or is it juggle? I have recently added tracheobronchomalacia to my e3xisting tally of asthma, copd and emphysema! This new diagnosis is rare so neither my GP or asthma nurse have any knowledge of treatment. The chest consultant increased the ventolin to help until I see a specialist in September. If only one didn't have to wait so long for appointments! I am seeing my asthma nurse tomorrow morning so will talk to her and let you know what she says. Thanks again

[Maximonkey in reply to Hidden]

Hi darthveda, I am so sorry you have multiple problems. It must seem never ending. I know it did for me before I went onto Azithromycin, I could see no way forward. My inhalers were not working for me and I was ill with pneumonia every month, being hospitalised every time. I felt the end was near and was very depressed and felt about 90 instead of 60. But the asthma nurse helped and the Consultant prescribed new inhalers. Thank goodness after about 6 weeks when my body reacted to the new inhalers, I began to feel better. I hope something similar happens to you. Tell the nurse you are desperate, she will help or advise. If you can afford it go privately to see the specialist instead of waiting. I did and although I was against spending the money on something I thought I should have received on the NHS it worked and I am here today because of it. Good luck Maximonkey

[Hidden in reply to Maximonkey]

Thanks maximonkey, it is good to know that you are not alone. Although I do get down on bad days I am basically an optimist so I try to get on with life as I can. managed half an hour gentle weeding today! My asthma nurse is great and I can always talk to her if I need to. I just leave a message and she will ring me back when she is free, but this new stuff is outside her knowledge. Better weather is coming and I have a great husband to support me. I am glad you have come through the bad times, keep well!

[Maximonkey in reply to Hidden]

Hi darthveda, thanks for your good wishes. I am so glad your asthma nurse is so supportive, I know it really helped me especially when I felt down because I had yet another infection. Take care Maximonkey.

[huggs]

Sorry darthveda, I did not know your medical history when I answered your question. What a shame you have all this going on. You don't do things by halves do you? It sounds as if you are being very well looked after, but if you still want something to show how many doses you have left, you could still get accuhalers. I have seretide, ventolin in this form and previously had flixotide as well. The main thing is that you are keeping well on what you are being prescribed. You can get 3 of your present inhalers in accuhaler form, which all have counters. You still have to suck it in, and generally they are easier to use. I hope you continue to feel well. Best wishes hugs xxx

[Hidden]

Thanks huggs. am seeing my asthma nurse on Tuesday so I will ask about accuhalers, they do seem to solve the problem. Can you use them with a spacer?

[huggs in reply to Hidden]

You are welcome darthveda. I don't think they are designed to be used with spacers. They are very easy to use though. You could always google for a picture of an accuhaler , and when you talk to your asthma nurse you will have some more information to go on. Your nurse may not think they are suitable for you for some reason but it is certainly worth discussing. Good luck. hugs xx

[peege]

Hi Darth, I use a reliever called BreathEasi, it's breath activated and when you take it out of the container it's the same little aerosol as Ventolin. I don't use nearly as much as you but still have the problem of knowing when it's empty.

I just take it apart and give it a shake. You can feel if there is some still inside as it's liquid. I always chuck it before it's empty though because someone once told me there is always a little propellant left in the spray.

Open up a new one to see what it feels like when full so you've an idea of how it might feel when almost empty.

Otherwise, 4 days @ three times a day = 4 days.

Poor you, can you take less in the summer months?

[loulbell]

Hiya i am on Ventolin accuhaler. It is a lot easier to use than a MDI and has a dose counter that tells you how much you have left. The counter also changes to red when there is 5 doses left.

Hope this idea helps Lou

[Colours23]

I take a preventer 4times a day ,also inhaler twice a day. I use the preventer before I do anything physical,even walk to the car,a reliever we can use as much as we like,with the the one we use to get through the day is symbicort ,which sustains my life. That's what I was told ,use it as much as like!

[Titchyj]

Hi, When I used to go to Breath Easy group a few years ago we had a nurse from our local hospital to give a talk on different inhalers etc., he showed us this easy way to find out if our Ventolin inhaler was empty:- fill a jug or tall glass with water, take the ventolin inhaler out of the carrier and pop it in the water with the bottom facing up, if it stays up right there is still some ventolin left, if it falls to the side it is empty.

Hope I have explained this ok and it helps.

Jan

[JParkway58 in reply to Titchyj]

Thank you Titchyj I've always had trouble knowing if my inhalers were empty. Great tip.

[Hidden]

Titchyj thank you. That sounds so simple I will definitely give it a try.

[calamity12]

I shake mine if you can't feel something inside it's empty. Also when you get a new one compare the weight and feel of the new inhaler with the old one - you will soon be able to tell the difference.

[gennyop]

Hi all

This works for me :-

1. buy digital scales - around £6.00 approx

amazon.co.uk/Precision-Elec...

2. weigh new inhaler - about 34 grams - canister only - record weight

3. weigh empty inhaler - about 16 grams canister only - record weight

4. At any time a patient feels their inhaler is not giving relief , they can weigh it to tell how full it is

Jim Harris Breathe Easy Canterbury and Coastal

[Colours23]

I shake mine to see,or make a note of when you started it,then you roughly know long

[Hidden]

I was wondering this as well. I don't use mine that much but can never tell when it is emply so shake it but can't tell then either It's a good idea to get into the habit of working it out. Thank you for that. x